On a night that showcased music’s brightest stars, Chappell Roan made waves with her daring look at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The 27-year-old pop sensation wore a sheer burgundy gown by Mugler, a choice that stirred both admiration and controversy. Despite backlash, Roan remains unfazed, embracing her bold fashion statement.
After the event, Roan addressed the uproar over her gown on Instagram. The dress was secured at the chest with faux piercings and left little to the imagination. “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit,” she quipped, showing confidence in her look. “The look’s actually so awesome and weird.” Her lighthearted tone came with a playful wink: “I recommend just exercising your free will – it’s really fun and silly :D.”
Fans quickly showed support in the comments, praising her ensemble as “exceptional” and “fearless.” One follower joked, “Some people have never seen boobs in their life, and it shows. You looked absolutely INCREDIBLE!” This camaraderie highlights Roan’s ability to inspire and connect with her audience.
At the Grammy Awards, Roan created a stir by removing the shawl covering her chest, revealing her bare breasts. The reveal caught the attention of fans and critics, sparking discussions on social media, especially on X, where many users expressed disapproval and urged her to “put some clothes on.”
Photo: Getty Images Despite mixed reactions, Roan acknowledged the overwhelming red carpet experience. Speaking with Zuri Hall, she admitted feeling “a bit overstimulated” by the barrage of cameras, calling it “the hardest part of the whole night.” Still, she maintained a positive outlook, saying she was “feeling good,” especially since she did not have a performance that evening.
Roan’s boldness is not new; the Grammy winner has had public encounters before. At the MTV Video Music Awards, she clapped back at a photographer who shouted at her, and at a premiere for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour, she confronted another photographer over what she called disrespectful behaviour. These incidents led event organisers to be more cautious, as seen at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, where an attendant was overheard warning photographers to keep things calm before Roan’s arrival.
While Roan left the Grammys empty-handed, she received nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her single “The Subway.” This follows her strong showing last year, when she earned six nominations and won Best New Artist.
Her acceptance speech during the previous year’s ceremony was notable, as she advocated for better treatment and fair wages for artists. Roan shared her struggles as a young artist, revealing, “I told myself that if I ever won a Grammy, I would demand that labels in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care.”
She recounted her experiences after being signed at a young age, emphasizing the challenges faced by many artists. Her rallying cry to labels resonated with attendees, solidifying her position as both a talented performer and a strong advocate for artists’ rights.
Chappell Roan’s fearless approach to fashion and commitment to social issues show her multidimensional talents as an artist. Through her striking wardrobe choices and passionate advocacy for fellow musicians, Roan challenges norms and inspires change in the music industry. Although critics may disagree with her style, her confidence and strong sense of identity continue to resonate with fans and supporters.
Photo: Getty Images
